CHU Supervisory Legal Assistant - Internal Aplicants Only
Federal Public Defender, Central District of California See More Job Openings by This Employer
Job Description
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is accepting applications for full-time supervisory legal assistant in its Capital Habeas Unit (CHU), stationed in Los Angeles, California. The CHU advocates for the constitutional rights and inherent dignity of indigent persons sentenced to death. We provide the highest quality representation in post-conviction proceedings through diversity of experience, collaborative and thorough case development, focused litigation strategies, and skilled courtroom advocacy.
Job Duties:
Supervision
Requirements: This position is open for internal applicants only. The criteria for this position include:
Selection Criteria: Candidates must possess a commitment to the defense of death sentenced individuals; must have superior communication skills; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Current FPDO employees may apply by submitting a résumé. All application materials must be received by Friday, February 13, 2026.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
Job Duties:
Supervision
- Overseeing the work of a team of CHU legal assistants;
- Providing regular, real-time, objective feedback;
- Drafting and conducting yearly performance evaluations;
- Arranging attorney coverage when assistants are out of the office;
- Identifying training needs, develop and conduct trainings;
- Planning and conducting monthly support staff meetings; and,
- Coordinating Skelton staff during holidays.
- Meeting with supervisees regularly to discuss current caseloads and ensure that work is evenly distributed;
- Maintaining responsive communication with supervisees at all times, even outside of normal business hours and days when needed;
- Creating training opportunities; and,
- Providing opportunities for supervisees to collaborate and develop skills.
- Approving leave requests for up to 2 weeks and time sheets for supervisees;
- CDCR Statewide clearance;
- Maintaining CHU unit calendar;
- Interviewing potential candidates;
- Maintaining filing login and password list; and,
- Setting up CHU Zoom by providing links for legal video calls and meetings.
- Maintaining the regular duties of a legal assistant.
- Attending legal assistant supervisory meetings;
- Regularly meeting with the Administrative Officer to keep the Administrative Officer updated on the accomplishments and needs of their supervision group; and,
- Participating in special projects on an as needed basis.
Requirements: This position is open for internal applicants only. The criteria for this position include:
- Having the skills necessary to fulfill the duties identified above;
- Having a demonstrated history of setting deadlines, initiating projects, and completing them in a timely manner;
- Having a demonstrated history of upholding our core values of client-centeredness, integrity, collaboration, respect, diversity, and excellence;
- Being willing and able to hold people accountable and to recognize people’s accomplishments;
- Being able to multitask;
- Having excellent oral and written communication skills;
- Having the ability to maintain effective working relationships; and,
- Being willing and able to lead, mentor, and supervise the work of a diverse team.
Selection Criteria: Candidates must possess a commitment to the defense of death sentenced individuals; must have superior communication skills; and work well in teams.
Salary/Benefits: This is a full-time, at-will position. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience and is subject to direct deposit. Benefits include health and life insurance, retirement, and a Thrift Savings Plan. For more information on benefits, see http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
How to Apply: Current FPDO employees may apply by submitting a résumé. All application materials must be received by Friday, February 13, 2026.
The Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Central District of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or age, are encouraged to apply.
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